Need help!

Options
chubabubba
chubabubba Member Posts: 9
edited December 2015 in Just Diagnosed

Even before I went for my annual mammogram, I had this feeling that something wasn't right. No pain, no lump, just a feeling.

I just got a call from my doctor with the news that I have breast cancer. When I had the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, the radiologist said she thought it was cancer but was somewhat reassuring when she said it was small and I would probably have a choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy. My next step is an appointment at the breast center to talk to a surgeon.

My PCP was vague when I asked for details which makes me believe that it isn't going to be that easy. She said that there was a lot of information in the report that she wasn't sure about and I needed to talk to the specialists. My thoughts are she is a doctor and knows exactly what the report means and doesn't want to get into it.

Hopefully, I'll be able to see someone at the breast center this week or early next week and I've started to read the Koman website for information.

I know that it's wise to have a list of questions when I meet the doctor and I'd appreciate any help you can give me on what I need to ask. And when does the fear begin to subside?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited December 2015

    Welcome chubbabubba,

    I am sorry you need to be here but glad you found this wonderful place! First of all, you are entitled to a copy of your pathology report and your images. Call your doctor or the imaging center and request a copy. Then let us know what the pathology report says. In the meantime, here is a great thread to get started Getting Started.

    When I got the call from the radiologist letting me know it was breast cancer, she gave me the basics over the phone. ER/PR positive approximate size of tumor etc. My doctor called with a referral to a surgeon that same day. As for the fear, well the first few weeks while you figure out what the plan is can be scary, overwhelming and sometimes frustrating. This community helps with a place to ask questions and vent. It will get better once you know your diagnosis and have a plan in place.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited December 2015

    My PCP just said it was cancer. No details, I didn't ask. Until the path reports come in, you won't know a lot. He set me up with the surgeon, who ordered what seemed like a zillion tests, set me up with MO and RO. Once you have a plan in place and started it gets better. Honest! Stay here, it's the best info with women who have been shaking in your sneakers. We care!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited December 2015

    Request a copy of your pathology report from your biopsyy immediately. It is your right to have copies of all reports and file them away in a box (or whatever) if needed in the future.

    Different types of BC (DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC) are different in TX plans so you need to know. Surgery is not always the first to do. It needs a team that include the Surgeon, Chemo Dr and Rads Dr for the complete plan - not seperatly but in conjunction with each other (or with other DRS on the Board).

    Get a note pad and write down every question you come up with. Make a second copy to hand to the Dr as some questions can be answered together. Record (tape recorder or Smart phone) what is said so you can review/hear again what was actually said by him/her.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chubabubba
    chubabubba Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2015

    Thanks so much for your responses! I just talked to my PCP tonight and didn't have my wits about me to ask for the pathology report but I'll pick it up tomorrow. Now, I hate to sound dumb, but what do DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC, DTS, ER/PR, MO and RO mean?

    I'm a real newbie and I feel like I've wondered through the looking glass so please be patient.



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited December 2015

    Go to little grey box that says Help with Abbreviations on the left side here.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited December 2015

    DCIS - Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: IDC - Invasive/Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma: ILC - Invasive/Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma: IBC - Inflammarory Brrast Cancer. Different types of BC with different TX (treatment) plans. Not all BC is the same with the same TX or prognosis.

    MO - Medical Oncologist (aka Chemo Dr) - the Chemo Specialist

    RO - Radiological Oncologist (aka Rads Dr) - the Radiation Specialist

    There should be a Team which includes the Chemo Dr, Rads Dr, Surgeon and Plastic Surgeon (if having recon (reconstruction) for the complete TX plan - not ones going off in different tangents.

    ER/PR - Estrogen Receptor/Progesterone Receptor

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chubabubba
    chubabubba Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2015

    Marijen and Kicks,

    Thanks! I didn't see anything for DTS. What is that?

    I guess I'll stay scared silly until I know more. I'm 74 and have been relatively healthy until now so this is a shock.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited December 2015

    OOPS - my fumble fingers! Should have been Drs/DRS - not DTS.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2015

    Chubabubba-

    We just wanted to welcome you to our community here at BCO. As you can see from the responses you've already gotten, this is a very knowledgeable and welcoming community, and you are not alone! We are here for you as you being this journey.

    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited December 2015

    have found good help here we have been there or going thru we support each other little overwhelming but once plan in place things settle down take it from me a 21yr Survivor Praise God. Msphil(idc stage 2 Lmast 0\3nodes chemo rads n 5yrs on tamoxifen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited December 2015

    cb, hate that you had to come here for support, but it is a good place to be, if you need it! You will get your game face on once you know what you are dealing with! Breathe! Try to take one day at a time, stay busy while you wait and stay away from Dr Google! Best wishes moving forward.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chubabubba
    chubabubba Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2015

    Can someone decipher my pathology report? It says the final diagnosis is invasive well differentiated ductal carcinoma.

    The Nottingham score is 4 (invasive ductal cancinoma with well developed tubules (1 point), moderate nuclear pleomorphism (2 points) low mitotic rate (1 point). The largest contiguous focus of tumor is 5 mm. There is associated low grade DCIS, solid pattern.

    ER positive, 99% of cells stain with strong intensity; PR positive, 20% of cells stain with weak intensity. The HER2 is apparently on another report since it wasn't included.

    Chubby


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories